The Wagah Border will be closed to the public for this year’s Independence Day celebrations due to ongoing renovation at the Bab-e-Azadi, also known as the Gate of Freedom. This iconic gate, which has evolved significantly over the past 77 years, is currently undergoing a major facelift initiated by Punjab’s caretaker government in February 2024.
Due to the construction work, this year’s parade and the traditional flag-lowering ceremony by the Pakistan Rangers Punjab will be limited to a select group of guests. Public access has been restricted, and banners have been placed at the site to inform visitors.
The Bab-e-Azadi, which stands as a symbol of Pakistan’s history, is being renovated to reflect a grander design. Once a simple checkpoint, the gate now features a towering portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and walls that depict scenes from the 1947 migration. The ongoing project aims to redesign the gate to resemble the historic Alamgiri Gate of Lahore’s Shahi Qila.
Additionally, the parade ground is being expanded to accommodate up to 18,000 spectators, and large LCD screens will be installed for better viewing of the events. The Bab-e-Azadi structure is set to reach an impressive height of 120 feet, making it a prominent landmark.
While this year’s public celebrations will be limited, the renovations promise to enhance the experience for future events, maintaining the Wagah Border’s status as a significant historical site and a major attraction for both Pakistan and India.
